I also add a brief story on insects of kashmir to this photographs ...

Some insects of Kashmir that i remember are....

Insects that attack / irritate human beings..

Maetchh....Flies

Maettar Maetchh...Sandflies.

Pish..Fleas .

Tcharr..Bed Bugs

Mohh....Mosquito

Tullur.. Wasp

Beutch..scorpion

Zallur.....spider

Reayii....Ant

Zoavv..... Human Body louse.

Kanahepeinn'....... Millepede

(I also remember khar and watteil )

Insects that attack plant kingdom and grains etc.

Hallu.....locusts

Muhhur....caterpillar

Drikk...Leeches

Daraz....Cabbage worm( family caterpillar )

Tomalla kraeel......Rice Weevil.

Aaett Kraeel......Flour Beetles.

Rice larvae Moth.......Tomalla Khodda Kyom..

Seaayii.....Aphid ( Plant lice )

Pana-Pompur ….. Butterfly

kaagaz kyom ….. silver fish

Bumsin …… Earthworm

(Autar Mota )

PS

(1)

I would say wasp for
Toffa Tulur or stinging bee. Honey bee also gives a sting
but it dies after one sting while wasp
is aggressive and capable of multiple stings. Human beings are more troubled by
wasp sting .

(2)

I am not convinced to call earthworm an insect.Earthworm
could be defined as a kind of animal called an Annelid.

(3)

Since butterfly evolves from a moth and a moth is an insect,
i am convinced to call butterfly an insect.

(4)

Daraz and Seiaayii that is commonly seen in kashmir's Haak
and Monji leaves .Darz belongs to a family of Caterpillars . cabbage worm
attacks knol khol ( Monjji )leaves , collards ( Haak ), cabbage leaves ,turnip
leaves , cauliflower leaves . It is a caterpillar and also known as cabbage
butterfly.It is capable of doing enough damage to the green vegetable leaves .

Monday, April 27, 2015

I give local ( KASHMIRI ) names of
some common trees found in Kashmir valley .

PART A

1 POPLAR … ( safeda ) is known as
Fraess’t in kashmiri. “ Yohuy chhukh Fraaess’t huue “ is a common satire
used in kashmiri language which means “you are simply tall without much utility
“ . This tree has now found much utility in Fruit packaging industry of kashmir
.It is also used in Ply board Industry as essential raw material. Accordingly
it is now cultivated commercially . Prior to that it was used by poor people
for house building in Kashmir valley.
It grows along canals and ponds or wet lands and needs Low water table for its
growth. Srinagar Baramulla Road had rows tall poplar trees on both sides that
added grace and grandeur to this highway. So are poplars seen along Srinagar
Anantnaag Road with a peak concentration near Bijbihara .This peak
concentration patch of poplars on the highway looks like a Green Tunnel . The
soft cotton like white fluff of poplar seed that floats in the air during late
spring / early summer season in Kashmir , has been proving a health hazard
lately .

( Poplars forming a Green Tunnel Photo Autar Mota )

( Fresh Poplar Plantation Near Bibihara kashmir Photo Autar Mota )

2 WILLOW … is veer in kashmiri . Veer is a common tree in kashmir’s country side . CLUSTER
OF Willows known as VEER-VAAR in kashmiri is a common sight near streams and
brooks in Kashmir valley . It grows along rivers , Brooks and streams . It is
used as an ideal timber and a graded variety of willow is used for making
Cricket Bats . This Cricket bat industry is localized in Bijbihara area of
Kashmir valley. Willow twigs or shoots are also used for making baskets, Chairs
and other useful domestic items . So many people are engaged in manufacturing
these willow items that are marketed within and outside the country . As timber
, willow was also supplied through Government Forest depots to consumers .
Fresh willow twigs were also used as Miswaakh (teeth cleaning brush ) in
Kashmir valley.

( Willows near sindh stream in Prang Ganderbal Photo Autar Mota )

( Items made from treated willow shoots on display Photo Autar Mota )

3 DEODAAR ( Cedrous Deodara ) or kashmir Cedar is also know
as Divdhor in kashmiri . Though a high altitude
tree, Deodars also grow in low valleys . I have seen some Deodar trees near
Harwan as well.It's wood is ideal for making Furniture , Boats , Houseboats , Bridges , Ralway tracks, doors and window frames etc. This is perhaps the best of timbers that is produced
in the state of Jammu And Kashmir in terms of utility and durability . Paddy
husking mortars or KUNZ was also made of this wood . Deodaar wood is quite
expensive and can withstand hot, moist and various other climatic conditions
.It is a choice wood for building construction .A resin is also extracted from
the roots of this tree that has much commercial utility . At some point of time, Deodaars must have been available in every part of kashmir valley . I have
found that every old building or shrine in valley has plenty of Deodaar wood in
its construction . Doda district also used to be a rich source of Deodaar wood
. Most of us must have seen Deodaar wood sleepers being moved to Jammu (
Akhnoor ) from Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar using Chenab river as mode of
transportation

( Deodaar Tree source Wikipedia )

Hindus believe
that Forests full of Deodar or Devadāru
trees are the abodes of ancient sages who were devoted to the Lord Shiva Shiva.

4 HIMALAYAN BLUE PINE . is known as kaayur or yaarii kull in
kashmiri. This is again a high altitude tree
. It grows in upper forests and this wood is ideal for making doors , windows
and frames and furniture in Kashmir valley .This evergreen tree can grow up to a height of 150 feet. It has a thick grey brown bark. Kaayur wood is a poor man’s
DEODAAR . A poor variety of this wood is also used as Timber and its Charcoal
is also ideal. This tree also gives a white resin and the portion with resin is
known as Laesh that burns instantly . As timber , Kaayur was also supplied
through Government Forest depots to consumers in Kashmir . There is a popular
kashmiri saying …” Kaashur Yaar Guvv Kaayur Naar “ or The Burning charcoal Coal
of the kaayur timber is a friend of kashmiri .Another kashmiri “ Vunn Tcheinn
Yaareinn Daai sundh Sugg “ or the jungle pines are irrigated by god only makes
this tree closer to kashmiri life.This wood decays easily on contact with the soil .Himalayan pines are also a commercial source of Turpentine and Tar .

( Pine forest Source Wikipedia )

.

( Pine cones photo by Autar mota )

5 NETTLE TREE is known as Bremiji in kashmiri. A tree that grew from a small shrub to a magnificent shady
tree in Graveyards and shrines of Kashmir is facing extinction .It gives a
small black fruit that is sweet to taste . It is a medicinal plant / Tree .

6 HIMALAYAN SILVER FIR IS KNOWN AS Budul in kashmiri.This wood is preferred by carpenters as it is easier to work
on it . It has almost no knots . Budul trees are found in higher altitude
forests of Kashmir and as timber , Budul was also supplied through Government
Forest depots in Valley. This was an ideal wood to be used for Beams in
building construction in Kashmir.

7 ELM is known as Brenn in kashmiri . It is a tall tree that growns in higher altitudes not
less than 7000 feet. The tree could be massive to look at . “Yohaai chhukh
Brenn Mondd or “ You look like a log of ELM timber “ meaning hard and incapable
to be cut or sliced for utility . It was used for making heavy doors of shrines
in Kashmir valley. It was also used for making Carts and window frames in kashmir. ELM forests are to be seen in higher reaches around Lolaab
valley in Kashmir. Hindus in Kashmir revered this tree and identified it with
Lord Ganesha .

8 BIRCH is known as Burza in kashmiri . A quite familiar tree in Kashmir as its bark was
extensively used for writing books , manuscripts and making roofs of shrines
and buildings . A thick layer of birch Bark was finally covered with thick mud
to give the final finish to mud roofed buildings in Kashmir.Hindus also used
this bark in various religious ceremonies and rituals .Burza was also close to
kashmiri culture and llife.Birch is a deciduous tree that has papery plates of
bark. The wood is quite hard . In kashmir , Silver Birch trees are found at a
height of 9000 feet and above from sea level generally near meadows .

( Birch tree Bark source Wikipedia )

9 FALSE WITCH HAZEL or Hatab in kashmiri. It used to be the most preferred and ideal timber in
Kashmiri kitchen. Very heavy and was also known as Iron wood that came from
shrubs and small trees .It was also supplied through Government run Timber
Depots in kashmiri valley . The twigs of this tree were used in kangri making .
MUHUL or pestle that was used in manual husking of rice in homes was made from
Hatab while the Husking Mortar or the KUNZ was made from Deodaar wood..This
wood was also used for making ladles in Kashmir. This timber gives a little
hard variety of charcoal which is also . This tree grow in Coniferous forests
of Poonch , Bani , Kupwara , Pahalghaam , Badherwah and Kishtwar .The tree
appears to be extinct in Kashmir valley at the moment.

10 MESQUITE TREE ( BABOOL ) or Kikkar kul is its Kashmiri version . Kashmiri Kikkar is also closer to the Acacia Nilotica family of trees .The thorny Kikkar tree is seen in many areas of
Kashmir. I saw so many kicker trees in Bijbihara and kulgam. Unlike the Desert Babool , the wood of kashmirian kikkar tree is soft and easy to work upon. . It used to be called a Poor
man’s Building material and would be mostly used for beams . The leaves of this
tree are reported to be having medicinal uses as well..

11 KASHMIR CYPRESS or Sarva kull in kashmiri . This is an coniferous, Graceful and ornamental tree that
can grow to a height of 50 to 60 feet in kashmir. It is planted in Gardens and
Parks and even in private lawns . The seed shedding of this tree is done by
dark brown cones that grow on this tree. Kashmir cypress holds its foliage year
round.

( Kashmirian Cypress tree source Wikipedia )

12 THE SWEET CHESTNUT TREE or known as Punjaeb Gour (
Singada ) in kashmiri . I have
seen these trees in Dhaara near Harwan and also near Dachhigaam wild sanctuary.
The fruit of this tree has a dark brown shell and a soft sweet mass inside it .
This fruit is known in Kashmir as Punjaeb Gour or a chestnut from Punjab . The
valley also has a wild variety of this fruit known as Horse chestnut or
Haan-doon . The outer shell of horse chestnut fruit is light brown and is
reported to be toxic and not fit for human consumption. From all accounts , it
is presumed that the Sweet Chestnut was brought to Kashmir for plantation
during the rule of Dogras may be in late 19th century .The sweet chestnuts are
available in Srinagar during Late October and early November and are consumed
after roasting them on charcoal.

( Sweet chestnuts on a tree source Wikipedia )

13 MULBERY TREE OR Tuell Kull in kashmiri . This tree is seen in every part of Kashmir upto an
altitutde of 7000 feet . The leaves of this tree are ideal food for silkworm
and hence the tree is quite important in silk Industry. It is a protected tree
. Mulberry tree twigs are also used by kashmiri pundits in some religious
rituals and ceremonies . The mulberry wood is also used for the doors and
agricultural implements like Plough. This wood is strong ,elsatic and comes up with a clean finish.After seasoning , it can be turned and carved that makes it ideal for Making Hockey sticks ,Badminton or Tennis Rackets .I
As per a rough estimate , there are about
7 lakh mulberry trees in the state out of which more than 3 lakhs are in valley
and the remaining in other parts of Jammu Division. The tree has become pivotal
and crucial for sericulture development in the state .

14 CHINAR or Booen in kashmiri is a majestic tree . It can grow up to a height of 100 feet from ground and
its girth could go upto 40 feet. A cool , shady , friendly , this tree is seen
everywhere in kashmir upto a height of 8000 feet from the sea level. It's
botanical name is Platanus orientalis. It is found everywhere in Kashmir and
even inside lakes ( Char chinar near Chashme shahi and Sona Laenk near Hazrat
Bal in Dal Lake) , In river Jhelum ( Near Shadipora sangam ), outside shrines
and inside all Mughal gardens of Kashmir.So close is this tree to life and
culture of Kashmir , that it finds symbolic mention in poetry as well. Even the
saint poetess Lal Ded has used it.I quote
“Kentchun Roenni tchheiyee shihijj Booen
Neruvv Neiburr ta shuhul karuvv”

“For some people , wives prove like
the Grand chinar tree
Be near them and you feel the self-assuring cool shade “

Chinar can
also grow in plains but does not acquire the height and girth that it has in
Kashmir.

Dr L S Negi Director Agriculture cum Horticulture
H. P. planted two chinar trees on ridge in shimla long back. Both
the trees have grown and look majestic now . I saw them on my visit
to Shimla . In fact these Chinars are five in number . A large one is inside
the ridge park while the other one is just outside it . Two more medium sized
chinars are also inside the park while another small sapling
is growing fast near the statue of Dr Y S Parmar .So
lovely to see the Chinars spreading . And Dr M S Randhawa also planted some kashmir
Chinar trees In PAU Ludhiana and Chandigarh.

In Kashmir
this tree is home to many birds . Its grand leaves are dried and used as kangri
fuel .The tree gives a tough , hard , high quality and expensive wood for
furniture industry. Though Chinar is a protected tree in J&K ,yet it is
being continuously felled by greedy timber traders and other persons in an
unauthorized manner. Kashmiris credit Sultan zain Ul Abdin for extending and encouraging plantation of Chinar Trees in all areas of kashmir valley during his rule .

Saturday, April 25, 2015

( in the path of God , There is no difference between a Hindu and a Musalmaan )

( Hazrat Miyan Mia )

HAZRAT MIYAN MIR ( 1550-1635 AD)

The glorious history of Sikhs shall be incomplete without the mention great Humanist and Sufi saint Hazrat Miyan Mir.

Here was a saint who pleaded with Mughal rulers to stop atrocities on Sikh Gurus . Here was a saint who openly sided with his pupil Dara Shikoh and earned the ire of the then Mughal Ruler . Here was a saint who visited his close friend Guru Arjun Dev ji in Lahore prison and sought his permission to take up his release with Mughal emperor Jahangir .

In an interview to SikhWiki , Makhdoom Syed Chan Pir Qadri, the present custodian (sajjada nashin) of the shrine (dargah) of Hazrat Miyan Mir Sahib ) informs us about this incident as under …

“ Hazrat Miyan Mir Sahib rushed to the Guru Sahib's rescue, saying, 'My friend, just give me one word and I shall cause the thrones of Delhi and Lahore to come crashing down'. But the Guru Sahib answered, 'This is the will of God and I must abide by His Will'. On Hazrat Miyan Mir Sahib's intervention, however, the torture was stopped but the damage was already done.”

A saint who blessed Sixth Six Guru Hargobind Ji ( son of Guru Arjun Dev ji ) and kept guiding him on various issues of the new faith.

A saint who laid the foundation stone of Harmandir sahib( Temple inside the Sarovar ) at Amritsar now known as Golden Temple .

Makhdoom Syed Chan Pir Qadri further informs …

“ When the Caravan of Miyan Mir sahib was moving from Lahore to Amritsar , it was attacked by some miscreants at the behest of One Ahmed Das. Many followers of Miyan Mir sahib were injured in this attack but the revered Sufi saint refused to be cowed down and went ahead to lay the foundation stone of Harmandir sahib. He told to his followers that People can be united only on the basis of the love for the one formless God. And Arjan Dev is doing this task in the best possible way , so he needs to be helped"

I have also seen a painting showing Hazrat Miyan Mir wearing Long woolen cloak and a conical cap and standing in a foggy morning of January 1588 AD with Guru Arjun Dev jI and other spiritual leaders for laying foundation stone of Harmandir sahib in Amritsar . This painting could be the work of noted painter Sobha Singh ;I am not sure .

The history of Sikhs also informs us that it was Hazrat Miyan Mir who personally intervened and requested Emperor Jahangir to release Guru Hargobind ji from Gwalior jail . He put forth a powerful argument that men of spirituality can not be kept in prison.

Jahangir once came to pay homage to Hazrat Mian Mir and requested the sufi saint to pray for the success of the fight which he intended to launch for the conquest of the Deccan. Meanwhile, a poor man entered and, bowing his head to Mian Mir, made an offering of a rupee before him. The Sufi asked the follower to give it to the poorest person in the gathering. The devotee went from one dervish to another but none accepted the rupee. The devotee returned to Miyan Mir with the rupee saying: "Master, none of the dervishes will accept the rupee. None is in need, it seems."

"Go and give this rupee to him," said the faqir, pointing to Jahangir. "He is the poorest and most needy of the lot. Not satisfied with a big empire he covets the kingdom of the Deccan. For that, he has come all the way from Delhi to beg. His hunger is like a fire that burns all the more furiously with more wood. It has made him needy, greedy and grim. Go and give the rupee to him."

Baba Sain Mir Mohammed popularly known as Mian Mir lived in lahore for most part of his life. Hazrat Miyan Mir is considered as the tallest Sufi saint of Punjab who opened the doors of Interfaith dialogue .The Pluralistic society of Lahore , that it remained for more than 300 years , owes its existence to a some Sufi saints like him . These Sufi saints preached tolerance , compassion and unity, rising much above their personal faiths and beliefs .

Hazrat Miyan Mir died at an advanced age and his funeral oration was read by young prince Dara shikoh ,who as per his will, was also buried near the Tomb of his spiritual master at Alamganj Lahore.

Under orders of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, extensive repairs and renovations were undertaken at the tomb with funds from the royal exchequer. The Maharaja used to attend the annual Urs every year and would make large contributions .

This saint is revered by Muslims and Sikhs of the subcontinent .

Like sheikh Farid , Hazrat Miyan Mir too was a direct descendant of Caliph Umar Ibn Al Khattab of Mecca and belonged to Qadiri sect of sufi saints. He resided in Dharmpura area of Lahore cantonment whereat he arrived from Sivastan sindh at the age of 25 years . He is also reported to have stayed at Sirhind Punjab for some time .

A believer inside the mosque , I am not,Nor a Pagan , A follower of fake rituals .Not the pure amongst the impure I claim to be.And neither born to Fire nor to water ,To My own self , I remain unknownBulleh Shah ! To me, I am not known

Syed Abdullah shah Qadri popularly known as Baba Bulle Shah ( 1680-1757 ) was a sufi poet , philosopher and a saint from Kasur in Punjab.He was a contemporary of Sachal Sarmast of sindh , Waris shah and Mir Taqi Mir. In sufi poetry , he followed the style of Shah Hussain of Punjab .Incidentally the renowned hindustani classical singer ustaad Bade Ghulam Ali khan sahib was also from kasur..( Autar Mota )

Baba Bulle shah wrote a song in praise of the highly revered sufi saint of sindh fondly known in the subcontinent as Jhule lal or Shahbaaz Qalandhar( 1177-1274 ) .

Shahbaaz Qalandhar belonged to Suhrawardi order of sufis . His real name was Syed Usman Marwandi .People believe that he wore red robes. Mothers in sindh and Punjab fondly call him their kid or Lal . And Shahbaz , Shah – King and Baz – Falcon or king of falcons or an ancient Iranian GOD , a divine spirit and lastly a Qalandhar , a sufi saint mystic or noble man .

He settled in Sehwan ( SERWAN in Sind ) and preached unity and harmony between Hindus and Muslims.Hindus regard him as Avtaar and fondly call him JHULE LAL while Muslims hail him as a great sufi mystic and call him Shahbaaz Qalandhar . Hindus from sindh regard him as the incarnation of Bhartihari, the saintly brother of King Vikramaditya, who is believed to have worshiped Shiva .They light rows of lamps ( Diyaas ) and bundles of Agarbattis at this shrine. Muslim devotees recite verses from Holy Quran inside the shrine.

I quote some lines from the spiritual song composed by Baba Bulle shah in praise of Shahbaaz Qalandhar . …

Born during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, Shah Hussain was a sufi poet ,saint , mystic and originator of Kaafi style in Punjabi Poetry .His grandfather Kuljas Rai was a Hindu Rajput of Dudha clan who converted to Islam . His father had taken up the profession of weaving.

Shah Hussain was born and brought up in Lahore . So much was he fond of his Brahmin disciple Madho lal that he changed his own name to Madho Lal Hussain.And Madho Lal remained steadfast in his loyalty to his master. Together with Madho lal , Shah Hussain defied the then conventional set up of the society by declaring and proclaiming the supremacy of Humanism over everything else.After Shah Hussain’s death , Madho lal became the leader of this sect of sufis. Madho lal also lies buried near the tomb of his master in Lahore .

The annual Urs held at the shrine of Shah Hussain is known as Mela Chiraagaan by Lahoris( Residents of Lahore ).

Shah Hussain is reported to have personally gone to meet Guru Arjun Dev ji while he was compiling Guru Granth Sahib .A defiant sufi who stood firm in his support of peasants and poor , Shah Hussain had a carefree life style . Even emperor Akbar is reported to have ordered his arrest once . Akbar had ordered public hanging of Dulha Bhatti for leading agitating peasants for excessive levies / Taxes during his rule .

Word “Maaye ( O Mother )“ has been frequently and beautifully used by him in his poetry . He also uses Ranjha and Heer symbolically to convey his unflinching love for the divine . His poetic language is by and large spoken urban Punjabi . I quote sample lines from his poems ….

O Fellow Travelers !I too desire to travel towards the abode of that beloved ,Would any one accompany me ?I begged everyone around,I made repeated requests as well.Now , alone I set out towards that Goal .( The lines are comparable with the philosophy of “ Self Ascent )

The needle of superior awarenessAnd the cord of love ,Get bound togetherIn the company of wise men alone .Husain , a poor wanderer in the path of his master adds“No throne of wisdom is ever granted by mere asking for it.”( The lines convey the Importance of Satsang or True company or company of wise )

This Sloka of Sheikh Farid has been translated into various languages and extensively used to portray wait in films , Drama and Theatre .

“Kaga sab tan khaaiyo chun chun khaiyo maas

Do naina mat khaaiyo mohe piya milan ki aas”

Khwaja Farid Ud Din Ganjshakkar fondly known as Baba sheikh farid , born in village kothewal near Multan , was a direct disciple of Hazrat Bakhtiar kaki . He belonged to the chisti order of sufis and was a direct descendant of Caliph Umar Inm al Khatib of Mecca ( 577-644 AD). He was born at a time when north India and especially Punjab was under great turmoil. Taimur Lang , Halaku (Grand son of changez khan ) and other invaders had ravaged the country for about 200 years before his death.Slave Dynasty of Qutub Ud din Aibak had tried to subdue people by force that resulted in social tensions and friction in various communities . Then came these sufi saints who applied healing Balm to the wounds of the people by their words and deeds .

Farida Khaak na Nindiye Khaaku Jedh na Koyiyey

Jeevdiya Pairaa talley Muyiya oppar Hoyiyey

( Sheikh Farid )

(Speak not ill of this dust O Farid !

Nothing equals this dust over here .

For , it lies underneath our feet whilst we exist

And comes over to the head after Death.)

Baba farid wrote sufi poetry that came to be known as slokas in Paunjabi.He preached hindus and Muslims alike and Humanity was his religion. He is considered to be the first major poet of Punjabi language .

So profound is the humanitarian message in his poetry that Guru Arjun dev ji included 134 slokas of sheikh Farid in Guru Granth sahib. Even Guru Nanak Dev ji had included his Hymns in Adi Granth the predecessor of Guru Granth sahib.

Farida galliye chikkad , door Ghar Naal Pyaare neho

Challan TaanBhijjey kambli rahan taan tootay neho

( Sheikh Farid )

( far away lies my Destnation

And muddy are the pathways to my beloved’s abode

If i step in , this cloak shall get muddy ,

And if i step not , the bond of attachment

shall break.)

His Mazaar is located at Pak Pattan in Pakistan. Like Sikh tradition , a langar is active at this shrine serving food to visitors .Annual urs at the shrine is held for six days in the month of Muhharam the first month of Islamic calendar. Mehfi e sama ( Qawaali ) is a daily feature at this shrine . Dhamaal or a dance in trance is also a special feature at this shrine.